Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); Biology — Environment

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Offered by: Biology
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Program Requirements

Thesis

A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.

Required Courses (12 credits)

Overview

Biology (Sci) : The oral Qualifying Examination is a formal evaluation of the candidate's ability to proceed to the attainment of the Ph.D. Candidates must submit a thesis proposal in advance of the exam.

Terms: Fall 2013, Winter 2014

Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013-2014 academic year.

Complementary Course (3 credits)

Overview

Environment : How the problem of environmental degradation is dealt with at the international level. The scope and nature of global environmental protection issues that cross boundaries, both physical and conceptual. Actors, structures and processes of international society. Consideration of global commons and transnational resources and of environmental externalities.

Restrictions: Open to students in the Environment Graduate Option (available to other students with permission of instructor). (Not open to students who have taken ENVR 580 -- section 001 -- in Winter 2002, Fall 2003, or Fall 2004

Note: This course has been offered three times as a Topics in Environment Course

Overview

Environment : How major environmental problems affect the health of human and non-human species, and how environment and health interact at different spatial and temporal scales and with different components of the ecosystem. Immediate, chronic and evolutionary consequences on health. Uncertainty and causation.

Terms: This course is not scheduled for the 2013-2014 academic year.

Instructors: There are no professors associated with this course for the 2013-2014 academic year.

Restriction: Open to students in the Environment Option (available to other students with permission of instructor).

Overview

Environment : Tools and knowledge needed to evaluate landscapes for sustainable management. Processes that shape landscapes, consequences of alternate landscape patterns on ecological flows, implications of management choices on biodiversity and sustainability, and need for social innovations.

Terms: Winter 2014

Instructors: Jeanine Rhemtulla (Winter)

Restriction: Students registered in Environment Option, or permission of instructor.

Note: An understanding of ecological principles is required to take this course. Comparative case studies will be used.

Overview

Environment : Considers ways to reduce the human impact on Earth's life support systems through variables such as population size, wealth, technology, and conduct. Critically describes ethical frameworks for judging personal and policy choices, including post-collapse scenarios.